When the Grand Ole Opry Became a Love Letter to Dolly Parton

On the evening of January 17, 2026, the historic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville became a place of tribute, gratitude, and celebration as country music’s biggest names and devoted fans gathered for the fourth annual Opry Goes Dolly. The special event honored the remarkable life, legacy, and enduring music of Dolly Parton as she neared her 80th birthday on January 19.

Although Dolly Parton was unable to attend in person due to personal reasons, her presence was deeply felt throughout the night. A prerecorded message from Parton was played for the packed audience, filled with warmth, appreciation, and heartfelt thanks. In her message, she expressed her gratitude to the Opry family for celebrating her songs and memories, noting that some of the most meaningful moments of her career had taken place on that very stage.

From the moment the lights came up, the energy inside the Opry House was electric. The evening showcased a powerful lineup of artists whose careers have been shaped by Parton’s influence and generosity. Performances by Elizabeth Nichols, Mark Wills, Sierra Hull, Rhonda Vincent, and rising star Trannie Anderson—who made her Grand Ole Opry debut that night—filled the room with admiration and excitement.

The emotional centerpiece of the night arrived when Lainey Wilson, one of contemporary country music’s most celebrated voices, stepped onto the iconic stage. Her appearance was not only a performance, but a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the musical legacy she inherited.

Wilson kicked off her set with high-energy renditions of her hits “WWDD (What Would Dolly Do),” “Somewhere Over Laredo,” and “4X4XU,” each song drawing thunderous applause from the crowd. But it was what came next that truly defined the evening.

After her final song, Wilson paused, visibly moved, and addressed the audience with sincerity and humility. She then welcomed a very special guest to join her: Vince Gill, a longtime Opry member and one of country music’s most respected figures. Speaking with deep affection, Wilson praised both Gill and Parton, calling them personal heroes and noting that, despite the saying about never meeting your idols, she had been fortunate enough to meet two—and they exceeded every expectation.

Standing together under the Opry lights, Wilson and Gill performed Dolly Parton’s 1977 classic “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” The song, long cherished as an anthem of resilience and hope, has taken on renewed significance in recent years. It was recently reintroduced through a collaborative recording featuring Parton alongside Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire to support pediatric cancer research in Nashville.

Before beginning the performance, Wilson spoke candidly about her growing relationship with Parton, sharing how meaningful it had been to spend time with her personally. She described Dolly as exactly who fans believe her to be—kind, genuine, and endlessly generous.

Their rendition of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” moved the audience deeply, blending Wilson’s youthful emotion with Gill’s smooth, seasoned vocals. The performance captured the heart of Dolly Parton’s music: strength, compassion, and the belief that brighter days always lie ahead.

The tribute continued with another unforgettable moment.

As images from Dolly’s extraordinary career filled the backdrop, Wilson and Gill delivered a breathtaking version of “I Will Always Love You,” one of Parton’s most iconic and universally beloved songs. Gill opened with the first verse and chorus in his unmistakable, crystal-clear voice, followed by Wilson’s tender interpretation of the second verse. Their harmonies came together in a powerful celebration of love, loyalty, and legacy.

When the final note faded, the audience rose to its feet in a prolonged standing ovation, the applause echoing throughout the Opry House—a shared expression of gratitude for the performers and the woman whose music has shaped generations.

The evening also reflected Dolly Parton’s lifelong commitment to giving back. In honor of the event, the Opry donated five dollars from every ticket sold to Parton’s Imagination Library, her beloved literacy program that provides free books to children from birth to age five, regardless of income.

In partnership with Julien’s Auctions, fans were also invited to bid on a one-of-a-kind rhinestone-covered microphone stand signed by Parton herself. Adorned with sparkling jewels and butterflies, the custom piece embodied Dolly’s vibrant spirit, with proceeds benefiting the Opry Trust Fund.

At its core, Opry Goes Dolly was far more than a concert. It was a celebration of music’s power to honor history, bridge generations, and uplift the human spirit. Though Dolly Parton watched from afar, her influence filled every note, every cheer, and every smile that night—a powerful reminder that her legacy continues to shine brightly across country music and beyond.